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TERRY KOSHAN -- Toronto Sun

The Maple Leafs morning skate yesterday was abuzz with the apparent news that 42-year-old Steve Thomas would be signing a two-way deal by the day's end.

But Thomas said he had heard nothing of it, and it's clear he wants no part of suiting up for the Marlies, the Leafs' AHL affiliate.

"It's news to me," Thomas said of a possible signing.

And what about a two-way contract?

"I'm willing to stay here (with the Leafs) and play for the whole year, that's about it right now.

"I guess (a two-way) is an option but it is not my No. 1 option."

Yesterday, the Leafs assigned defencemen Marc Moro and Brad Brown to the Marlies.

DON'T COUNT OUT MARCHMENT

Defenceman Bryan Marchment has not been completely cut by the Leafs, coach Pat Quinn said.

"He is still under the tryout agreement and it is going to be a few days yet until any decisions are made," Quinn said.

MORE WINGS, PLEASE

The Leafs home-and-home pre-season set with the Detroit Red Wings this weekend is the only time the two clubs will meet this season unless they have a date (unlikely) in the Stanley Cup final. That's what weighted scheduling (more games within the division and conference) can do.

"It still is difficult to think one of the Original Six teams won't be coming into (the Air Canada Centre) and we won't be going there," Quinn said.

GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Jason Allison will test his injured hip/groin during the morning skate today before deciding if he can play in tonight's pre-season finale against Detroit at the ACC.

The status of Eric Lindros also is up in the air after he had his oblique-muscle injury re-examined by the Leafs' medical staff yesterday.